In a software-driven world, this is why hardware still matters!

In today’s world, voice technology has become such an integral part of modern life that it’s hardly even noticeable anymore. Automated phone systems, smart devices, virtual assistants, and many other examples of this type of technology are hardly considered unattainable or used by a limited few – they are very much the status quo, a part of the day-to-day tech landscape.

And while there is often a focus on innovative software developments and leveraging the cloud in the voice technology industry, it’s critical to also consider the devices that support advanced voice capabilities. In the professional realm, market-leading hardware complements voice applications to increase efficiency, streamline workflows, and boost productivity. If you’re unsure of hardware’s role in optimizing voice solutions, here are some key situations in which the right device makes a world of difference:

When accuracy is especially important

The trend toward integration of information across channels and between both internal and external sources is taking place in nearly every sector. In the medical industry, for example, many contributing parties contribute to comprehensive documentation for a patient’s electronic health record (EHR). Similarly, legal professionals often collaborate across departments and with external subject-matter experts to develop documents. Unsurprisingly, then, many healthcare providers and attorneys are using devices such as Philips SpeechMikes, featuring studio-quality microphones and noise reduction technology, to record. This reduces errors when working with speech recognition and helps finalize documents and reports quickly and correctly.

When there’s no time for downtime

Introducing new tools – though they are beneficial in the long term – can sometimes cause disruption during the onboarding phase. But user-friendly devices that don’t require manual configuration and are natively integrated with speech recognition software means there is minimal disruption to day-to-day workflows when adopting new recording tools. Intuitive, reliable, and integrated with leading cloud-based solutions such as Nuance Dragon Medical One, Dragon Legal and Professional Anywhere, Philips SpeechMike microphones require no setup time. This means team members can immediately start using the device and stay productive in their workday.

When different generations of IT need to work together

An important consideration for any solution in an organization’s tech stack is its compatibility with existing or legacy technologies, as well as its compatibility with future technologies. Whether it’s newer devices combined with older software or older devices combined with newer software, SpeechMike’s native integration features mean it works seamlessly with speech recognition and other commonly used professional applications. This helps extend the life of your current IT investments and lay the foundations for those to come.  

When the work landscape evolves

The era of being tied to a desk has given way to the concept of the anytime, anywhere “office,” enabled by web-based software applications. SpeechMike fits perfectly into this new way of working, featuring software development kits (SDKs) that allow the device to optimally function in web-based environments. As work preferences and arrangements change and the use cases for speech recognition continue to expand in a variety of professional settings, flexible devices such as SpeechMike are positioned to grow with users’ needs.


Together with leading software applications, utilizing the right devices enables your teams to maximize the potential of your organization’s workstreams. To learn more about why you should explore Philips SpeechMike dictation microphones as a core component of your voice-technology portfolio, visit the Philips dictation website.

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